Additionally, Public Measure C to renew the district’s Revenue Purpose Statement passed with 71 percent of the vote.

Benson was originally named to the board three years ago, but resigned for personal reasons. Klingensmith was appointed to the vacancy soon afterward.

As state code mandates, in the event of a special election regarding any matter — in this case, the Revenue Purpose Statement — any appointed board positions must also be open for election.

“I am grateful that the city of Newton came out to vote and are giving me an opportunity to continue to work again after the 2009 election,” Benson said in a phone call this morning.

“It’s a very dynamic time in the school district as it has been for several years, and to be a part of the likes of that and to positively impact student learning and quality of education is very invigorating,” she added.